Adrian stepped out of the car, calm and unbothered, as though the armed men were no more alarming than a doorman. Of course, this was his world, where violence was normal.The driver opened my door, jolting me back to reality. "Ma'am?" he prompted. My legs felt heavy and reluctant to move, but I forced myself to step out. The air felt thicker here, the tension palpable.The men didn't say a word, but I felt their eyes on me, assessing, judging. I wrapped my arms around myself instinctively, trying to shield against their scrutiny. My heart was racing, but I kept my face neutral, my head held high.I had to play the part, no matter how badly I wanted to turn and run.As I walked inside, entering the mansion and taking in the interior of the surrounding, which evolved with more men, a discomforting feeling washed over me.My feet screeched a bit as I almost stumbled, only to feel a steady hand helping me back to my feet. My eyes landed on Adrian."Watch your feet next time, and when we
[Demonic POV]I left a half-bow, as my legs came to a halt near Uncle Marc. I had no idea why he had called me up here. I had many things to fix, but he had interrupted them, informing me that I had to be here."Welcome, Demonic. I have been expecting your arrival," he uttered. I felt him leave a pat on my back. I raised my gaze afterward as my eyes landed on Adrian standing on the other side. His eyes darkened as they narrowed, staying glued at me.Really, I had little idea of why he held so many grudges against me. I had never seen him as an enemy or so. My only aim was to carry out my family's legacies and ensure some things were put in place. I had always wanted to protect him, ensure he was alright, and so I trained so hard. But yet, it all ended up as a waste, as I received his hatred instead.But yet, I hoped that one day, just one day, that anger would vanish, and he would understand that all my actions, which I had made lately, were for his benefit and nothing else."I had to
[Sierra POV]Adrian led me to one of the rooms, helping me sit on the bed.Dominic was here. Why? My mind raced, spiraling with questions. Shouldn’t he be back in the city? The entire reason I agreed to this trip was to escape his reach, but now he was here too.And yet, I couldn’t shake the nagging thought—if Dominic recognized me, I should already be dead. Did he not know who I was, or was he playing some twisted game?“What are you thinking?” Adrian’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. His eyes scanned the passage behind him before narrowing on me, dark and sharp.“What was that downstairs? Didn’t I tell you not to try anything?” he said, his tone dripping with frustration.“What do you mean? Is it my fault I stumbled?” I snapped, watching him scoff. "And why were you trembling anyway? It must be new for you, right? Well, you better get used to it and fast also 'cause now it seems we are going to be stuck here for a while." He said, standing up as he turned to leave."This wasn't pa
[Dominic POV]"Release!" I uttered as the bird flew out of the cage, flying up into the sky. I reloaded my shotgun, aiming with my right eye. "And dead," I pulled the trigger; the loud sound echoed as the bird fell down. I retreated the gun.I've always found hunting quite fun and a way to train my aim even more. Since I needed some air anyway, I decided to head out to the courtyard, nestled at the edge of the forest, just beyond the mansion's backyard."I see you still haven't given up on your typical hunting," a voice caught my attention. My eyes landed on Uncle Gavin."Well, it's just an old habit I find quite enjoyable," I said, gesturing as Uncle Gavin approached me, taking up one of the guns laid there. "Why don't I give it a shot also?"He uttered, as another bird was released. He aimed at it, pulled the trigger, and scraped through the air, missing the bird. "Seems my old age is getting to me," he said, retracting the gun and dropping it back on the ground."I'm sure you still
I returned to the mansion with Uncle Gavin by my side. My eyes immediately caught sight of Uncle Marc seated at the dining table. His eyes landed on me instantly."Good, you're here," he uttered."You called for me, Uncle Marc?" I said, giving a half bow."Yeah, you must be hungry." He questioned as I raised my gaze, thinking it was something important, but it was just about the food being ready.My gaze shifted to Adrian, who was already seated. I watched his presumed wife come out with some of the maids, bringing some food."Wait, she cooked?" I thought, my mind trying to make sense of what was taking place."Come, sit, Dominic. I had your brother's wife prepare lunch," Uncle Marc uttered.
[Sierra's POV]Taking the dishes into the kitchen, I laid them down and leaned against the wall for a moment. I let out a sigh, thinking about what had occurred back at the dining table with Marc and Adrain. Really, was staying here such a good idea? These people stood by their names, their eyes and actions sending shivers down my spine. Even though the blow wasn't meant for me, I couldn't deny the fear that coursed through me with his footsteps growing nearer. And I had also bumped into Dominic. What if he had recognized me? I was really in a death trap, never expecting to be trapped with no way out like this. All I wanted was justice for my mother and to make them pay, not to be bound and trapped in another lie.I couldn't run away, nor could I say anything. It seemed I just had to act up, not showing much attention, at least until he was gone. Then I would plot my way and destroy him to the very inch. But for now, I just had to keep low and hidden, even though he was here too. All
My eyes sprung open, and I gently rose from the bed, welcoming the morning rays that seemed to glow through the room. They served as a reminder of last night with Dominic's questioning.Even though he seemed not to recognize me, I couldn't deny the suspicion he harbored toward me. I just had to stay low and try not to attract any attention; only then could I assure my safety and prevent him from recognizing me.I made my way into the bathroom, splashing some water on my face before walking out, only to be hit with the realization that Adrian wasn't around last night. I was happy that I didn't have to share the room with him, but I couldn't help but question where he could be and what he was planning. He was slapped last night; I was sure he must still be quite furious, but I couldn't understand why. Why was he slapped by Marc instead? I just couldn't understand each and every one of them. Well, I shouldn't even be trying; I'm not part of their family in the first place, so why bother?
[Adrian's POV]I stepped out of the mansion, my eyes landing on Damien, who was still trying to aim a shot at the target. It seemed he also loved hunting, just like Dominic. However, I found the real hunt and fun game when I was dealing with my enemies or traitors; anything else just seemed boring.My mind still lingered on Uncle Marc's last words—the entire De Santos family. Why was he making everything more complicated than it already was? All I wanted was my dad's property, so I saw no other choice in this contract. Yet, it seemed things just got more complicated for me.I don't know what Uncle Marc sees in Dominic that he doesn't see in me. Staying in my mansion, tarnishing the family name? Why doesn't he understand that I also make my moves? Even though I was more interested in the business side of things than becoming an underworld lord, I never had those dreams. If it was power I needed, I don't need the title to instill fear in my enemies.I have achieved great heights in the b
"What are you saying, Damien? Tell me now; I want the truth. Tell me the real name of the person behind all this. Don't think you can play games with me. So, you expect me to believe that this is all my brother's doing? Really?" I spat.Does he see me as a fool, believing what just came out of his mouth? That my brother was behind all this? I mean, why would he kidnap his own wife?"I am telling you the truth, Dominic... and I can also prove it," Damien uttered.But was he really telling the truth? Adrian? That can't be right."Alright, I will give you the chance, but know if you are wrong, the bullets will do the talking next," I said, retreating my gun from his head as I watched his panting state. He hastily grabbed his phone out.My gaze rose to meet Adrian's wife, whom I found still unconscious—or was she just sleeping? Seeing her in such a state. Damien body not lying down, already lifeless, It must be some kind of weird luck for him.The call ringing drew my attention back to Da
[Dominic's POV]I parked my car at the side as I watched some of the men I had tasked to follow me in search of Adrian's wife. They walked around the street, paying some street thugs a visit in case they could possibly have any information about Adrian's wife's whereabouts."Boss, still no information," I heard one say, walking up to me. I let out a sigh. When was this going to end? Just for how long would I have to keep searching for her?Beaten and injured many, yet they still claimed ignorance. Now, these street lowlifes still had no idea or information to let us in on.I couldn't just return to the mansion, not able to bring back Adrian's wife with me. I guessed I just had to keep trying harder.I picked up my phone, making a call to one of my men whom I had tasked to keep an eye on Damien. On my way, after leaving the mansion, I had a thought. I couldn't let my guard down and turn a blind eye to those that I suspected. I mean, how could I just trust Caleb's words so easily?I hir
Honestly, even if I had gone out, what was the possibility of finding her? I mean, what if I wasn't the one who had Sierra at my grasp, but rather one of the real enemies? Why would I just go wandering around, questioning each and every person I saw?Now he tells me I'm the one acting stupid here. Knowing my brother is out there doing this just left a scoff. I thought he was smarter than that. Asking our enemies questions, how was he so sure it was one of them?"What are you still doing here?" I heard Uncle Marc's voice, his eyes narrowing as they remained fixed on me.I could see them brimming with rage. I was quite sure that if it was up to him, he would have put a bullet right through my skull. I mean, he has always seen me as nothing more than a useless burden, staining the family legacies."Which legacies in the first place?" I thought."I'm sorry, Uncle Marc. I shall set out once I receive feedback from my men. I want you to know that Sierra is my wife, and there is no way I wou
"You should dress up and rest; I will leave now," I said.Maybe I shouldn't have rushed into her room. It wouldn't seem good to lay all those questions on her. Even though I had the thought that she might have slipped some words out—it's highly possible, but if so, she wouldn't remember it, would she? The drugs' effects on her would lead to such.Nevertheless, this didn't seem like the right time.I turned away from her sight, my legs moving toward the doorstep, when I felt a grasp on my wrist, causing a pause in my footsteps. A hand came wrapped around me as I felt her body pressing onto my back."Please don't go, Adrian; I need you. I can't hide this anymore," I heard Elena mutter in whispers, her hands caressing as she clutched tighter."Enough of this now, Elena," I snapped, removing her hands. My gaze turned to meet hers."Why, Adrian? Why is this enough? Why can't I touch you?" she questioned as I watched her hands closing in again, only for me to fling them to her sides.I didn
[Adrian's POV]"So what's next, Adrian? Are we going to keep Sierra locked up in that room?" Damien asked."I know we can't keep her in that room. I mean, she is my wife after all, even though it's all just a charade. But I have to act concerned," I said. I just had to play along to fool my silly brother and Uncle Marc, so they don't figure out Sierra's whereabouts. But I still had no idea how I could stop Sierra from becoming the next sohoe."Whatever you do, just know you have to do it fast, Adrian. And don't worry, I will keep an eye on her for you for a while, while you figure out what to do next," Damien said as I watched him leave the room after.I couldn't be seen walking out of the mansion so freely. Who knows how many eyes might be on me after this incident? Not that they would surely suspect me—I mean, who would suspect I kidnapped my own wife? But even so, I had to be conscious of my every step.Sitting down on the bed, I grasped my phone, hoping to contact Vince—the same p
I watched the maid leave with a nod as she walked past the hall.My mind was still swirling with questions about Adrian's whereabouts.I just hope he wasn't out doing something foolish. I have to find him; I just have to figure out where he is. I can't let him get himself into more trouble now.I made my way down the stairs, scanning the passage as I walked."Get the vehicle, and you get the weapons," I heard Uncle Gavin say to two of Uncle Marc's men standing at his front. It seemed they were getting ready to set out, but what good would that do? I mean, they have no idea of Adrian's wife's location, but yeah, that wasn't much of a problem if it was one of our enemies. But somehow, I feel somebody from inside helped those kidnappers, and Caleb claims it's not him.I guess I just have to set my eyes on him for a while to confirm if his words were true."Dominic, you're here," Uncle Gavin said, approaching me."Have you seen Adrian, Dominic? He should be here; this is about..." Uncle G
[Dominic's POV]“Kidnapping one of the De Santos members in my mansion? I must say, wow! I haven’t had someone dare me for so long," I heard Uncle Marc say, his face curling into a smirk.Remembering things now, this must be exciting for him. I mean, he has many enemies, but none have had the guts to face and challenge him. With Adrian's wife's kidnapping, this somehow felt like a direct challenge to him—one he had missed so much.“Get the men, Gavin. I want Sierra found immediately, and get me the head of whoever is behind this," Uncle Marc snapped.As Uncle Gavin left with a nod, the crowd fell into silence, everyone just stood there watching. But yet, I could hear a murmur coming from my side. It was from the same two men I had caught whispering earlier.“I am sure the old man's power has weakened now that his family is at risk of being ended," one chuckled.I turned, looking up in their direction. As they noticed my presence, their murmurs ceased, replaced by a downcast look.“Wea
A splash woke me as my eyes sprang open. My body was wet, dripping with water. I found myself tied to a chair.Standing right in front of me was a stranger with an empty bucket in hand, which he placed down."What happened? Where am I?" I wondered in my thoughts.Recalling all that had happened before: those muscular men and Caleb. "So I was kidnapped?" But who could have possibly had me kidnapped?I thought that by staying in the crowd's sight, I would be safe from all the dangers that seemed to lurk at the walls, craving to end me. But here I was, ending up kidnapped and trapped in this room, with no idea where I was, and this complete stranger with glued feet, his eyes remained fixed on me. I caught no sight of the two muscular men."Please… where am I? Please let me go; I don't even want this title in the first place." I pleaded in a whisper to the man, and I was quite sure the reasons they had me kidnapped was because of the title I was about to be given. But even with all my ple
[Sierra's POV]"So, what’s your name?" I heard the stranger ask.I hesitated. Why did he want to know my name? I couldn’t just blurt it out; danger seemed to lurk everywhere. Who knows if he possibly was one of them? Just because he saved me from falling down the stairs didn’t mean he wasn’t."Hey, you there," his voice snapped me from my thoughts. His eyes were fixed on me, expecting an answer.I left no answer, only to start walking away. I glanced back, only to find him still glaring at me.I thought he might follow me, so I had to make sure. I distanced myself, and a bit further down the hall, I leaned onto the wall, releasing a sigh."So, he didn't follow me," I whispered.Maybe I had possibly overreacted, but am I really to blame? With everything that seemed to be happening, I found it hard to trust anybody here at this ceremony... not a single one of them.But wait—am I going to avoid every single one of them now? I took a step in fear, my eyes scanning each side. Is that going